The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1887-07-09
9eru Publications.

HARVARD LECTURES ON MORAL PHILOSOPHY.
BY Andrew i. Peabody, ID. D., LII. d.
Boston: Lee & Shepard. Chicago: s. A.
Maxwell Co.
This is a profound and able work on moral
philosophy, or the science of duty. The
method of treatment is natural, and the clear
and profound thought is presented in Ian
guage simple, chaste and beautiful. The
author is at home in the discussion of the
subject, and in this is seen at his best.
In the first chapter or lecture, DR.. Peabody
treats of human liberty or the freedom of the
will. This, he claims, is the fundamental
basis and necessary postulate of all true
moral science. This discussion is brief, but
very able and conclusive in its reasoning.
In the second lecture the "Ground of
Right is discussed. The author holds that
fitness is the ultimate and sole ground of
right. man should do that which is fitting
to his nature, condition, circumstances and
relations. He reviews very ably the differ
ent theories of obligation, and shows certain
weaknesses.
In the third lecture he reviews the theories
OF Utilitarianism and Expediency. There is
this about all theories of utility, they find
the moral element in the results or conse-
quences of the act, and not in its principle
and motive. This makes us responsible for
that over which we have no CONTROL and it is
the radical defect in all theories of utility.
The subject of the fourth lecture is con-
science. The author defines conscience as
the perception of right and wrong in volun-
tary human acts, whether our own or others.
1t is both moral Judgment and a moral
emotion-a thought and feeling. He holds
that conscience is always to be relied on, and
is always liable to be deceived. 1t is trust
worthy, though not infalible.
The fifth lecture is occupied with the con-
sideration of virtue, which is defined as lit
orally meaning manliness. Virtus-that is
virtue, in early time meant courage in war.
In the English language the term has always
had moral significance, and expresses
strength of moral principle and character.
In strong, healthy moral character there
are many elements, such as courage, pru-
dence, justice, fortitude, benevolence, pa
thence, temperance and charity. Hence these
are called virtues.
In the sixth lecture our author passes under
review principles, rules and habits. Princi-
pie means beginning-that which is taken
first. Principles in morals have the force of
reasons. They prompt to action in obedience
to law, and from this obedience result habits.
ALI right rules or laws must conform to prin-
ciples, and habit gives strength to character
and constancy to action. 1t is the basis in
morals and in society of confidence and trust.
The seventh lecture is discussion of the
ethics of the Hebrew Scriptures. The author
holds that among all the compends of NOR
ais the decalogue is pre-eminent, and of all
ethical systems that which it embodies yields
place only to the Christian.
In the eighth lecture we have an able dis
cussion of Christian ethics. What the author
claims for Christian ethics is not originality
but perfection. perfect system of ethics
is necessary to the perfect moral develop
ment of the individual and of society. The
influence of Christianity upon personal and
social morals, shows its superiority to all
other systems.
In the ninth lecture our author considers
moral beauty. There is an esthetic side to
morals. Character and life may become
beautiful. AS the beautiful in nature is
more than the useful, the beautiful in morals
is more than the good. The life and charac
ter of Christ was morally beautiful as well
as morally good. This gives it its universal
ity.
There are two other lectures that we have
not space to analyze. The work is valua-
BILE contribution to the science of ethics. 1t
and teacher.